You can add it directly to your hot tub water. Use 3-Way Copper Test Strips are for testing Cleanwater Blue in your spa. Matt Giovanisci is the founder of Swim University and has been in the pool and spa industry since 1995. It worked best at temperatures between 90 and 110 and it was practically odorless. Another flip side is that you may require hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizer and clean your pool filters once in a month. Ionizers can be used in pools or spas. People put up with it because there was no alternative. Although required maintenance is more than a product like an, Right along with chlorine, bromine is a standard cleaning agent used in many hot tubs and pools around the world, making for a great option for those looking to keep it simple. Let's start there and help lower the alkalinity in your hot tub now! If properly sized, the UV light can destroy bacteria and viruses. Specially bonded with an exclusive proprietary carrier agent, CW-286, Cleanwater Blue achieves much higher effectiveness than other similar products. Order the Nature2 Pro Starter Kit and get the Nature 2 cartridge and all the water balance chemicals and other products you need at a discounted price. Other aspects one needs to consider are cost, maintenance, and suitability to your requirements. With bromine, youll be able to enjoy your hot tub or spa without the harshness of chlorine, and you wont have to smell like a public pool afterwards! There have been many Alternative Sanitizing systems that have been introduced over the last Chlorine is bad for hot tubs. The down side to UV is that it does nothing for water clarity, so you still get cloudiness - and it leaves no residual disinfectant in the water. Eco One Spa Monthly does most of this well. How can you know whether youre adding enough sanitizer? This is because ozone does not have sufficient residual capabilities as the gas is short lived. Here are four of the best alternatives that can clean your hot tub without developing a chemical dependency. Chlorine has long been one of the go-to methods for sanitizing hot tubs, helping spa owners maintain their haven of relaxation by simply letting chemicals do the work. Cleanwater Blue is the easy-to-use, healthy alternative water purifier. Another thing started to become more apparent when large scale use of residential hot tubs increased - chlorine, it turns out, is not really a very good Believe it or not, the ultraviolet portion of the suns radiation and sunlight is actually a great way to kill bacteria in pools or spas. Cleanwater Blue kills bacteria & algae by introducing a copper ion into the water. Its true. The effect you see on your skin is more likely to be caused by contact dermatitis. You'll save $100 right away with this easy-to-follow digital ebook and video course. Parts Department An ozonated hot tub spa can usually go longer between water drainings than a spa using other sanitizer chemicals. With swimming pools, you will use much, much less chlorine than you used to. Intec America provides water treatment solutions for swimming pools, private wells, and surface waters. In addition to breaking down bacteria and viruses, spa mineral sticks also attack the small amounts of copper and silver to help create a clean and nearly mineral-free environment to relax in. Ozone water purification is 3000 times more powerful than ordinary water sanitizers (bromine or chlorine). How Often Should You Clean a Swimming Pool? If the outside weather is cold, you can opt for aeration or oxygenation through fountains. If you go shopping for Alternative Sanitizers, be a little wary of dealers that only sell one type of Alternative Sanitizer and tell you this is the best one in the world. Guide to Water Softener Issues, Maintenance Tips, and Replacement, Hot Tub Chlorine Alternatives: What is Right for You, Point-of-Use Vs. Point-of-Entry Water Treatment Systems: Features and Comparison. You still need to shock the water weekly and you may need to add a clarifier as well. It could be that youve never really thought about using an alternative. That, of course, produced more chlorine odor and the whole thing made hot tubbing a less than pleasurable It is most commonly found in Baqua type products. When used with small amounts of chlorine or chlorine substitutes, spa mineral sticks can have you on your way to a healthy and fairly easy to maintain hot tub. Since many of todays hot tub sanitizers still require some amounts of chlorine or chlorine substitute, bromine can be a great supplement for an option like enzyme treatments and spa mineral sticks to limit your reliance on harsher chemicals. Some contact lens cleaning solutions contain biguanide ! Since then, his mission is to make pool and hot tub care easy for everyone. The main things that consumers complain about when it comes to their water chemistry problems are (in order): chemically odor, musty odor, burning eyes, coughing from fumes, bleached bathing suits, hard to balance water, hard to balance PH and/or Alkalinity, water turns green, water is always cloudy, blonde hair turns green ! Read more about Eco One here. Additionally, Bromine cannot really be used effectively in a swimming pool because it is rapidly "burned off" by the sun, leaving the pool with little to no sanitizer. These units are substantially larger (and more costly) than hot tub Ozonators, however they can output a much larger amount of ozone gas per hour and are thereby sufficient for most pools - even outdoors ! The ultrafiltration method comprises the use of a fine sieve to remove extremely small microbes, human skin fragments, hair and so on once the basic filtering is done. The only danger with Biguanides is that you cannot mix them with chlorine or bromine. Pinterest Something had to be done! Not doing so will drastically increase maintenance costs and the electrical cost can soar. Often sold under the brand BaquaSpa (or Baquacil for pools), biguanide is well known for being gentle on the eyes and skin while still being an effective sanitizer. Ever thought you might be allergic to chlorine? Its claim to fame is that it is very gentle on the skin and eyes. You know chlorine and bromine are effective hot tub sanitizers. For those hoping to find a potent long-term solution, Similar to using enzymes, spa mineral sticks can significantly lessen your dependency on chlorine with a few easy steps. They are easy to use and low on maintenance as you can refill the mineral cartridges. Very economical-- lasts the typical user 5 months or more. Are you looking to improve the swimming pool in your residential complex? Cleanwater Blue is better for you and your family, and easier on your spa's equipment system. Ozonators can be a little more expensive than other options, so going this route may mean making an investment in the health of your hot tub. Well, its highly unlikely to actually be allergic to chlorine or another tradition hot tub sanitizer, but you may have a sensitivity to them. Center Quick Product Order Form Many tub owners were having problems keeping their pH and Alkalinity adjusted properly - and as a result their water was not always staying clear and fresh. That means you still have to add a backup sanitizer to the pool or spa (chlorine or bromine). But even though chlorine has been a mainstay of hot tub maintenance, new techniques have emerged that allow you to clean your hot tub without the potent. Over the years, they have emerged as a healthy alternative to chlorine. They understand your requirements and will offer you the best possible solution. window.addsearch_settings = { placeholder: 'Search Here' }, Sign Me Up For Coupons & The natural copper-ion formula is the odorless alternative to harsh smelling spa chemicals. So, if you are looking for a healthier alternative, the post below discusses nine healthier and environmentally-friendly options to chlorine for swimming pools. UV does not provide any sanitation residual and many microorganisms can reproduce at a faster rate than water can be recirculated through the pool and the device. More than just an alternative to chemicals, however, ozonators are estimated to be as much as 3,000 times more potent than basic chlorine treatments, making them well worth the relatively small initial investment. All The Hot Tub Chemicals, Alternative Sanitizers And Alternative Sanitizers are finally gaining acceptance and catching the attention of many pool and spa owners! This power has been harnessed in ultraviolet hot tub sanitizers that kill bacteria and other contaminants with low-grade radiation. Also, if converting to PHMB, it is recommended to drain out the water, which probably contain traces of chlorine. Copper is known to also have antibacterial properties. Consider switching to a hot tub mineral sanitizer for clean water, softer skin and easier maintenance. This type of sanitizer works by releasing silver and copper ions into the water. American settlers crossing the plains put copper pennies in water barrels to inhibit stagnation, although no one really understood why it worked. Some ozonators also have a compressor which aides in the gas injection. Linked-In So, water is purified without the use of chemicals. Since chlorine cannot stabilize in the water on its own, a dry stabilizer (cyanuric acid) is added to the water to make it resistant to sunlight. Contact Who knew? But for spas, a better alternative is out there: bromine. But why your alkalinity high? Our PoolAndSpa.com Email Newsletter, Alternative Sanitizers Less harsh on your skin and eyes than chlorine, bromine offers the benefits of chlorine while minimizing the adverse effects, which is why it remains such a popular choice today. Overall, this is not a bad system, although the silver/copper must be replaced periodically. If you have a water heater installed, lower the thermostat level. Available in several sizes to accommodate a variety of spas, hot tub ozonators inject ozone into the water to sanitize it. Despite these drawbacks, chlorine is the most commonly used pool sanitizer in the world today. But that doesnt mean it doesnt have a few adverse effects. There is a legal and governmental definition for what is officially considered a sanitizer. There are special chemicals you must add to the water in order to switch back. It does not give off that "chemical smell" normally found in pools and spas and tends to produce less skin and nasal irritation. The copper ionization system comes with an electronic control unit, test kits, and a copper electrode. Unlike chlorine and salt systems, ionizers are pH neutral so pH maintenance is easier. All you need is an alternative hot tub sanitizer. What is the Best Chlorine-free Treatment for Your Swimming Pool? High alkalinity cause major hot tub issues. Sign Up For Newsletter Mailing Put them together, and you get a hot tub sanitizer called an ionizer. They kill bacteria and other contaminants in the water, but like ultraviolet sanitizers, dont prevent clouding. These membranes have very thin semi-permeable pores through which essential disinfectants and certain salts get permeated into the pool again. You can use it in a pool or spa and it contains no chlorine or bromine. Its one thing to smell like a chlorine tablet when you get out of an outdoor pool, but it becomes much less acceptable after a long soak in your indoor hot tub! Youll still need to shock your hot tub, and you may even need to supplement with chlorine or bromine to keep the water clear and fully sanitized. For those hoping to find a potent long-term solution, spa ozonators are a great way to ditch chlorine and still maintain the level of expected hygiene. So, while reducing temperature is not an independent solution, it can definitely reduce the quantity of chlorine you would have to use otherwise. However, it has similar properties to that of chlorine and is a halogenic compounds. Two common brands are Pool FROG and Nature 2 and can reduce the need for chlorine up to 50%. Pool & Spa Dealer Locator Because they dont use any chemical at all, ozonators can be an ideal alternative to traditional sanitizers. Hot Tub Chemical Alternatives - Top 4 Chlorine Alternatives, Chlorine has long been one of the go-to methods for sanitizing hot tubs, helping spa owners maintain their haven of relaxation by simply letting chemicals do the work. One bottle tests your spa for about a year! Subscribe to our newsletter today to recieve updates! Track The use of silver as an antibacterial dates back to ancient Rome. Right along with chlorine, bromine is a standard cleaning agent used in many hot tubs and pools around the world, making for a great option for those looking to keep it simple. Salt damage is prevalent it can corrode the coping, decking, walls, and the floor of the pool. You'll love how smooth the spa water feels on your skin. No more ruined hair, bleached swimsuits, dry skin, or red eyes - just cleaner, fresher, better feeling water! This is a more stable ingredient than chlorine and is not affected by sunlight. Going chlorine or bromine free has never been easier! Two of the oxygen molecules are used up during the chemical reaction and the third oxygen molecule is released back into the air. Chlorine, as a purification agent, has been used for water treatment and swimming pools since the early 1900s. Daily maintenance of the chlorine balance is required or it doesnt do the job. If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Chlorine is absolutely safe to use as a hot tub sanitizer. This is a proprietary technology developed by Earth Science Laboratories. Also, it reduces the speed of chemicals reacting with each other or human skin. Twitter Polyhexamethylenebiguanide or PHMB is developed by certain brands such as Baquacil and Softswim as an effective alternative solution to chlorination. Many consumers lack the knowledge and understanding to properly maintain the chemistry of their pool. Chlorine, nowadays, does have several alternatives that fulfill at least the basic criteria of safety. Ozonated water will remain clearer longer than just using bromine or chlorine as the primary sanitizer. It works on both pressure and suction type filtration systems and is suitable for spas up to 500 gallons. But maybe youre not crazy about soaking in them. Less harsh on your skin and eyes than chlorine, bromine offers the benefits of chlorine while minimizing the adverse effects, which is why it remains such a popular choice today. Over time, advance and increase production will drive down the cost of these systems. If you havent used bromine before, it is recommended that you flush, drain, and refill your spa before switching to a different sanitizer so there arent any complications or damage caused to the plumbing. So maybe youd rather not use chlorine or bromine to sanitize your spa, but you also dont want to soak in dirty water (ew), or even forgo the hot tub altogether. Water Softener Vs Reverse Osmosis: What is Right Your Application? Instead of relying on only chemicals that were added to the pool or spa each week, the Ozone Generator actually produced Ozone Gas which is injected into the water via the return jets. 9AM-8PM Eastern | 6AM-5PM Pacific. That is in the legal world. Copyright This free printable cheat sheet helps keep your hot tub clean and clear without messing with confusing water chemistry. Or you may not have been aware that chlorine and bromine werent the only options, despite experiencing some of the not-so-great aspects of traditional sanitizers. Hot Tub Supplies Nature 2 is a water purification technology for spas that gives the purest, clearest water imaginable, with virtually no odor. When combined with an oxidizer, it can destroy impurities in your water that your filter cant catch such as perspiration, dust, pollen, and sunscreen. Chlorine, even at proper levels, can cause rashes and allergies in some people. Get a hot tub chemistry education right here. How to Prepare Your Swimming Pool for Summer? Most of these microorganisms thrive and proliferate in warm to hot environments. And its all because of the suns ultraviolet rays. While spa mineral sticks and enzymes can help you avoid chlorine while maintaining your hot tub, superior alternatives like ozonators can provide a cleaner environment than chlorine while also leaving you with very minimal upkeep after installation. Utilizing the same gas that protects the Earth, ozonators inject small doses of ozone into your water to breakdown bacteria and keep your hot tub as clean as possible. chemicals that are alternative sanitizers. Backyard & Home, Facebook Check out the many hot tubs and swimming spas we have at Haven Spa Pool Hearth and find soothing relaxation in your own backyard today. Here are nine alternatives you may want to consider: Bromine is used as an alternative to chlorine. Also, it is expensive as for the initial investment. NOTE: Your filter cartridge must be at least 8" long, and have a hole diameter of at least 1 1/4" to accept the Nature2 purifier cartridge. That is the main benefit of UV. A lot of chemicals just plain stink, including hot tub sanitizers. The drawback here is that it is difficult for some people to swim comfortably in cold water. There once was a time, long long ago, when the only thing that pool & spa owners could use to keep their water clean was chlorine. It can also dry out your hair, and if its blond, you may start to notice your hair turning green. Because this product contains CYA (stabilizer), it's best used in outdoor hot tubs that are exposed to UV rays. Do you know which hot tub chemicals you need to keep the water balanced? You can use UV light and chlorine in combination with each other. Read more about Eco One here. It is very effective; however, it is the most costly option to maintain a swimming pool. Lasts 4 months. Your Package With Shipper 1994-2019 PoolAndSpa.com, Customer Service the water and you must shock the water weekly as well. This mineral disrupts the cell structure and chemical makeup of these organisms, eliminating them in a way that is non-toxic to people or pets! Read the Cleanwater Blue White Paper for more info. This granular, stabilized chlorine is fast-acting and quick-dissolving. For spas with smaller filters which will not accept the Nature2 cartridge, try Cleanwater Blue liquid (described above). Measures the Purifier Level (copper), plus Total Alkalinity (TA) and pH, to allow you to easily and correctly balance your spa water using these products. PoolAndSpa.com Online Store This gas is then sucked into the jet piping of the pool or spa by the "venturi effect" which creates a suction that shoots the gas into the water. Thats not a good look on anyone. Barring the required minimal amount of chlorine in the pool, all the other suspended particles, organic matters, and bacteria are picked and thrown out by this filter. Do you have a private swimming pool in your home, and looking for better options to chlorination? A product or chemical must get EPA approval to be officially called a sanitizer. If the climate is warm and pleasant, you can go for a pool chiller. Activating bromine with an oxidizer is called shocking and should be done after each tub use. Probably not enough to justify the expense. This alternative hot tub sanitizer has a few scientific names: polyhexamethylene biguanide, polyaminopropyl biguanide, and polyhexanide. However, more than ever, consumers are seeking an effective alternative. You may not be able to completely stop using a traditional sanitizer, but you can at least reduce the amount. To clean the water in your hot tub, youll need the right sanitizer. Accordingly, most Alternative Sanitizers shouldnt really call themselves sanitizers at all.